SASK NOT YET BE CONSIDERED A HOTBED FOR LACROSSE BUT THINGS ARE CERTAINLY WARMING UP.

Saskatchewan may not yet be considered a hotbed for lacrosse but things are certainly warming up.

The possibility of a finding a spot with the Saskatchewan Rush has definitely sparked the interest of many players – those who have been in the game for some time, and others who are just starting out.

A year ago, Saskatoon’s Reagan Harding was chosen by the Rush in fourth round of the NLL Entry Draft. On Monday, Michael Kaminski could be the next homegrown talent to hear his name called by the Rush. He certainly fits the mold of a player the Rush might be interested in.

“He’s a tough defenceman who transitions the ball well, he’s quick and he can put the ball in the net. He’s a bigger boy with good speed and strength,” said Saskatoon Swat owner, general manager and coach Randy Trobak.

“He works the game really well. Other teams dislike him. He’s tough to play against. Put it this way, there are teams saying ‘Thank God he’s graduated (from junior)’.”

Kaminski was the backbone of the defensive unit for the Swat, which made great strides in their first season at the Junior ‘A’ level in the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League.

The 21-year-old is currently showcasing his skills at the NLL Draft Combine in Toronto. With the 2016 Entry Draft just a few hours away, the Combine is the last opportunity for prospects to give GMs and coaches a glimpse what the future could bring. Trobak hopes those NLL team bosses, especially the Rush’s Derek Keenan, see what Kaminski offers in terms of talent plus intangibles.

“He’s a great kid, the kind of player that coaches really enjoy having on a team,” said Trobak. “He’s willing to do anything you want and you just can’t ask more than that. We’re definitely hoping that Derek and the Rush give him a shot. I think he should be a third-round pick, but maybe after the Combine when he’s been able to show his stuff, he could even get a look in the second round.”

More talented players are expected to emerge from Saskatchewan’s burgeoning lacrosse scene in the next few years. In fact, Coach Keenan suggested that next year’s already-deep draft may see a biggest number of Prairie players have their names called. Trobak is certainly excited about the upcoming draft and future ones as well.

“It’s so nice to see our kids getting the opportunity they deserve. The Rush has brought them that,” said Trobak.

“Without the Rush, I’m not sure where we’d be sitting. They have really made us a member of their family.”